Advanced Adventure Diver (SDI)

SDI Advanced Adventure Diver is the ideal “next step” after Open Water when you want to build confidence and capability through guided experience—not just talk about it. You’ll complete five instructor-led open-water training dives: two core dives (Deep and Navigation) plus three elective “adventure” dives that introduce you to specialty areas you’re curious about.

Because Scuba Dives teaches adults in a private or semi-private format (1–2 students), you get coaching tailored to your comfort level, pacing, and goals. You’ll leave with stronger dive planning habits, better situational awareness, and a clear path for what to train next.

Next step: Let’s talk through your goals and choose elective dives that make sense for where you’ll be diving—Schedule a Free Phone Chat.

• How to plan and execute dives with clearer limits (depth, time, gas, and no-decompression planning)
• Practical deep-diving procedures, including controlled descents/ascents and safety-stop discipline
• Underwater navigation fundamentals using natural references and (when applicable) compass techniques
• How to improve buoyancy and trim for better control, reduced effort, and safer task management
• How to manage workload and stay calm while learning new tasks underwater
• How to evaluate conditions and make safer “go / no-go” decisions for a dive plan
• Specialty “first-dive” introductions based on your electives (examples: night/limited visibility, photo, computer nitrox, search & recovery, wreck, DPV)
• More effective buddy procedures, communication, and problem-prevention habits

• Better planning and awareness reduce surprises and help you avoid preventable problems
• Improved buoyancy/control supports safer ascents, better gas management, and calmer decision-making
• Navigation skills help you stay oriented, return as planned, and dive more confidently in new environments
• Deep-dive foundations help you understand limits, manage task loading, and maintain a controlled pace
• Private instruction means you practice until it feels solid—without being rushed by a group schedule

1. Plan your path: We discuss your diving goals, recent experience, and where you expect to dive most. Then we choose three elective adventure dives that fit your interests and local conditions.
2. Knowledge development: You complete or review the required SDI academic content (eLearning or manual, as applicable) and we confirm understanding with a focused instructor review.
3. Skill prep and planning: We refine buoyancy/trim and core habits that make the dives easier (equipment checks, communication, dive planning, and contingency thinking).
4. Five open-water training dives: You complete Deep and Navigation plus three elective adventure dives. Every dive includes a thorough briefing, coached execution, and a practical debrief.
5. Completion and next-step roadmap: Once course requirements are met, we handle certification processing and give you a clear recommendation for what to practice next (and which specialties are the best fit).

Time range: Many students complete the course over 2–3 days, but timing varies based on scheduling, travel, site conditions, and the elective dives you choose. We will not rush training or compress skills into unrealistic timelines.

Required personal gear (recommended for comfort and consistency):

• Mask, fins, snorkel (as appropriate), and exposure protection suitable for the water temperature
• Dive computer (highly recommended for deep planning and tracking), plus a timing device if needed
• Compass (especially important for the Navigation dive)
• Surface signaling device (SMB and spool/reel) and an audible signal device
• Any specialty-specific items based on electives (e.g., dive light for night/limited visibility)

Provided / rental gear (as arranged):

• BCD, regulator set, cylinders, and weights (availability and pricing vary by site and logistics)
• Additional specialty-specific equipment when required for an elective (availability varies)

Don’t have gear yet? We’ll help you choose properly fitting equipment and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Included (Scuba Dives instruction and support):

• Private (1 student) or Private Group (2 students) instruction for the full course
• Personalized elective-dive planning based on your goals and local conditions
• Five open-water training dives with full briefings and debriefs (Deep, Navigation, plus three electives)
• Dive planning coaching (limits, gas planning habits, situational awareness, and safety routines)
• Certification processing support once requirements are met

Not included (varies by location and logistics):

• SDI eLearning / training materials and agency processing fees (package-dependent)
• Entry fees, park/site fees, and permits
• Boat/charter fees (if applicable for your chosen sites)
• Travel, lodging, meals, and transportation
• Equipment rental, air/nitrox fills, and specialty-specific gear (based on electives)
• Optional purchases (logbook, accessories, upgrades)

We confirm anticipated third-party costs during your consult so you can make an informed decision before you commit.

• Minimum age: 18 (Scuba Dives teaches adults only)
• Required certification: SDI Open Water Scuba Diver (or equivalent from another recognized agency)
• Water skills expectations: You should be comfortable in open water and able to maintain basic buoyancy control and buddy procedures. If you feel rusty, we can add a refresher plan before training dives.
• Medical screening: You must complete the required diver medical questionnaire before training. If the questionnaire indicates a need for evaluation, a physician’s clearance/sign-off is required before you can participate.

Is this the same as “Advanced Open Water”?
It’s similar in purpose: you gain experience through guided “adventure” dives. SDI’s Advanced Adventure Diver includes five dives with Deep and Navigation as the two core components, plus three elective adventure dives.

How do we choose the three elective dives?
We choose them together based on your goals, comfort level, where you’ll be diving, and what local conditions allow. We’ll recommend the best options for real-world value and skill-building.

Do I need to be a “strong” diver already?
You don’t need to be perfect—this course is designed to build you up. Private instruction lets us slow down, reinforce fundamentals, and keep the experience confidence-building and safety-forward.

How long does it take?
Many students complete it over 2–3 days, but timing varies with scheduling, travel, weather/sea state, and elective dive choices. We plan a realistic timeline during the consult.

Where do the training dives happen?
That depends on your location and conditions. We’ll recommend sites that match the course requirements and your comfort level—shore dives, springs, lakes, quarries, or boats depending on what’s appropriate.

What if conditions cancel a dive day?
Safety comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable, we reschedule. Some third-party fees (like boat deposits or site fees) may have their own policies, which we’ll review during planning.

What if I need more time to feel comfortable with a skill?
That’s normal. Private/semi-private training is built for this. We’ll adjust pacing and, if needed, add additional coaching or sessions so you meet requirements safely and confidently.

Can I take this with a friend or partner?
Yes—our standard format is Private (1 student) or a Private Group (2 students). If you’re not at the same comfort/skill level, we’ll structure coaching so both of you progress well.

Do I have to buy gear?
No. You can rent major equipment, and we’ll help you decide what personal gear is worth owning for fit and comfort. Some electives may require specialty gear (like a light), which can often be rented.

The fastest way to get this right is a short consult. We’ll learn what kind of diving you want to do, recommend the best elective dives for your goals, and outline a realistic timeline based on conditions and logistics.

You’ll also get clear expectations on what’s included, what third-party costs may apply for your chosen sites, and how we’ll structure private coaching so you feel prepared—not rushed.

Schedule a Free Phone Chat